Eagles icon Jason Kelce comes to A.J. Brown, Jalen Hurts' defense after viral comments post 22-16 win vs Panthers
Former Philadelphia Eagles veteran, Jason Kelce, who has played alongside quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver A.J. Brown, stepped into the fray to defend his former teammates. Speculation about a rift between Hurts and Brown started after the WR's comments following their 22-16 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday Night Football, in which he remarked that the team's "passing" needs to show some improvement.
Speaking on Wednesday's episode of Spotify's "New Heights" podcast, Kelce downplayed Brown's viral comments:
"Personally, I just think he's frustrated after a game, right? They barely beat a team that they know they should have performed better. There's been a lot of stuff made about this comment from A.J., a lot of stuff made about Jalen's comment about like, offense and synchronization and whatnot.
"Ultimately, I just think it's two guys who are frustrated after a game in which they didn't meet the standard that they hold for themselves, and they know the offense doesn't meet the standard that it holds for itself." (40:45)
Highlighting how he has been in similar situations during his playing career, Jason Kelce continued:
"I know I've been there. This is what happens when you have highly competitive individuals that know that they can be contributing more, or know that the offense can be better than it is, or that the team can be better than it is." (41:45)
About A.J. Brown's comment, there are indeed some struggles that the Philadelphia Eagles offense is facing, especially in the passing game. As reported by ESPN, the team ranks last in passing attempts. Thus, it becomes difficult for wide receivers like Brown to find rhythm.
Like Jason Kelce, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni also dismissed the idea of a rift between Hurts and Brown.
Jason Kelce's ex-Eagles teammate's response to Brown's comment added fuel to fire
On Monday, during a radio appearance, Philadelphia's defensive end, Brandon Graham, who played with Jason Kelce from 2011 to 2023, said:
"The person that's complaining needs to be accountable. I don't know the whole story, but I know that [Hurts] is trying and [Brown] could be a little better with how he responds to things. They were friends before this, but things have changed, and I understand that because life happens.
"But it's the business side that we have to make sure the personal doesn't get in the way of the business."
However, as reported by ESPN, the DE later clarified his stance, saying his reaction to the viral clips was premature and planned to apologize to both players.